Lyrics

Story

I wrote this song by weaving together a haiku I published called, "The Fawn", my relationship with God and my mother, the verse in Genesis 49:21 about Naphtali, and my love for nature. The fawn represents you and I. The mother deer represents my mother or even God the Father and how much we are loved. We are called to arise when it is our time to dance and fly. We are all created in the image of God. He created us with great purpose. The picture of the beautiful stag on the cover of the album captures the Spirit of Christmas and God's prophetic word to Naphtali from Genesis 49:21. "Naphtali is a deer roaming at liberty; he shooteth forth goodly branches," or majestic antlers [Taylor; Scripture Illustrations], and the meaning of the prophecy seems to be that the tribe of Naphtali would be located in a territory so fertile and peaceable, that, feeding on the richest pasture, he would spread out, like a deer branching antlers. God's grace prevails. I hope this song touches your heart. I played the piano on the recording.

Lyrics

Naphtali (copyright 2013 Wendy Katagi) (Based on the haiku, "The Fawn", written by Wendy Matsuda, published by National Poetry Press) "The Fawn" Trickling sunlight Touching a fawn's spotted head A warm breeze sweeps by Brown eyes search wide Beneath the towering pines Her mother draws nigh Naphtali arise Your time has come Run with freedom Run with strength Naphtali on high Dance and fly As we touch the sky Bright clouds of white Sing winter's lullaby Beautiful night Bounding over each hillside Under star lit skies In the quiet I hear your calm voice saying I love you always Always

Story

I wrote this song last Christmas. I knew I wanted to include it on my new Christmas album this year. I worked on it more--creating a flowing melody for the chorus, "...the gift of love, the gift of peace, the gift of hope, the gift of joy..." The third verse connects with the Naphtali song and also reverence for God. "Hush now in silence. All creatures bow before Him. More than just a memory...He's with us now until the end." I also felt impressed to write about the Holy Spirit so I added the tag ending, "His loving Spirit gently stirs within." This song brings wonderful family memories to mind...sitting by the fireplace on colder winter nights, thinking about Christmas, and snow, of course! I hope you feel warm and cozy as you listen to this song.

Lyrics

Spirit of Christmas (copyright 2013 Wendy Katagi) Snow falls so gently Chimneys churn we stoke the fire Faces glowing pine boughs burning When we think of Christmas We join hands together We pray for our neighbor Have you a need? I will help you. As my heart grows fonder The gift of love the gift of peace The gift of hope the gift of joy I pray all these and more be yours On Christmas and throughout the year Hush now in silence All creatures bow before Him More than just a memory He's with us now until the end He's here Jesus how we need you here Your loving spirit gently stirs within.

Story

This song is one of my very favorite Christmas songs of all time. My heart is overwhelmed every time I sing it or hear it. The majesty of God, the fact that He sent His Son to earth for our sakes, and the beauty of the love relationship we can enter into with God when we worship at His feet is beyond words. This song catapults my soul to a place where I can embrace this amazing place with God where I am on my knees proclaiming His majesty and authority over me and all of His creation. I pray your heart will soar as mine does as you listen to "O Holy Night."

Story

I added some new lyrics to this beloved carol. I felt inspired to write about my experience with God the Father, His Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit's call to us--His beloved children. When I cling to Him, my heart yearns for more and more of His presence and Lordship in my life. I pray your spirit will be touched by this song as it has touched mine.

Lyrics

What Child is This (lyrics adapted by Wendy Katagi, 2013) New additional lyrics And as the Father sent His Son to earth from heaven for our sakes To those who would receive Him still new life new hope forever Ring ring the bells on high His Spirit comes with Him abide Joy joy His love so reigns To seek first His kingdom forever Jesus Jesus King of Kings Our Messiah truth He brings Our hearts yearn for You our King Jesus Jesus King of Kings

Story

I wrote this song after hearing a message on Jonah. I was so moved by the love of God...how it is impossible for me to truly love without first allowing God to love me first. One of my favorite verses is from Matthew 6:33. "Seek first the kingdom of God and all his righteousness. And all these things will be added unto you." Another one that I have come back to time and time again is Proverbs 3:5 and 6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." So, when I am feeling low or drained, I turn to God for strength. Matthew 11: 28-30 "Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest..." I cried when I wrote this song. After feeling so loved by God, I was able to say, "Everything is well with my soul."